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Wenger fears Toure burnout

08/11/2005

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has appealed to the Ivory Coast to protect defender Kolo Toure from burnout ahead of a hectic programme for the African side.

The Elephants, who recently qualified for their first World Cup, play two friendlies against Romania and Italy during the international break and the African Cup of Nations in January before the World Cup start next June.

Combined with Arsenal's full season in which the Frenchman will also be hoping for an extended run in the Champions League, Wenger fears that Toure's exploits with both club and country will cause him to burnout.

"There are a lot of friendlies scheduled for the next few days, some I like and some I don't like and I believe the Ivory Coast, for example, are playing too many games," Wenger said.

"You just feel that sometimes people don't know when to stop and protect the players and I will ask that Kolo doesn't play in both games against Romania and Italy."

The Arsenal manager recently made a similar appeal to France coach, Raymond Domenech, regarding Thierry Henry, but only time will tell to see if Wenger's pleas are listened to.

Arsenal have suffered badly this season from players returning from international breaks injured, with Henry's six-week absence after sustaining a groin injury in France's game against Republic of Ireland arguably the most damaging for Wenger.

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